Canada’s population is distributed very unevenly across its ten provinces and three territories: Ontario is the most populous province with over 15 million residents, while Nunavut is the least populous territory with about 40,000. The three territories combined account for roughly 0.3% of the national total, and the four Atlantic provinces together have fewer people than Alberta alone.
Population Rankings: Provinces
As of the most recent official estimates (2024), the provinces rank by population as follows:
- Ontario – 15,996,000
- Quebec – 8,895,000
- British Columbia – 5,581,000
- Alberta – 4,849,000
- Manitoba – 1,484,000
- Saskatchewan – 1,228,000
- Nova Scotia – 1,074,000
- New Brunswick – 846,000
- Newfoundland and Labrador – 545,000
- Prince Edward Island – 177,000
These figures are based on Statistics Canada’s quarterly population estimates, which adjust for births, deaths, and migration. The numbers change slightly each quarter, but the ordering has been stable for decades.
Territories: Small but Distinct
The three territories are much smaller in population than any province:
- Yukon – about 46,000
- Northwest Territories – about 44,000
- Nunavut – about 40,000
Nunavut, despite having the smallest population, has the largest land area of any province or territory. Its population is overwhelmingly Inuit, and it has the youngest median age in Canada (around 25 years). The territories have a different governing structure than provinces: they are administered by the federal government through the Minister of Northern Affairs, though they have elected legislative assemblies and a degree of self-government.
Why Ontario Leads
Ontario’s dominance is a result of historical, economic, and geographic factors. It contains the country’s largest city (Toronto) and the national capital (Ottawa). The province has a diversified economy spanning finance, manufacturing, technology, and agriculture. Its location along the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River made it a natural hub for trade and settlement. Ontario also attracts the largest number of immigrants of any province—over 40% of new permanent residents settle there each year.
Quebec, the second most populous, is the only province with a French-speaking majority. Its population is concentrated along the St. Lawrence River, with Montreal as its largest city. Quebec’s growth has historically been slower than Ontario’s due to lower immigration and a lower birth rate, though it remains a demographic heavyweight.
Fastest-Growing and Declining Regions
Population growth is not uniform. Alberta and British Columbia have seen the fastest growth in recent years, driven by interprovincial migration and international immigration. Alberta’s economy, fueled by oil and gas, attracts workers from other provinces. In contrast, the Atlantic provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island) have experienced slower growth, with many young people moving west for work. Newfoundland and Labrador actually saw population decline for much of the 1990s and 2000s, though it has stabilized recently.
Prince Edward Island, despite being the smallest province by land area, has one of the fastest growth rates in the country, largely due to immigration. Its population surpassed 170,000 in the early 2020s, a significant jump from 140,000 in 2011.
Urban vs. Rural Distribution
Most Canadians live in urban areas. Over 80% of the population is concentrated in cities, and more than half of the population lives in a band stretching from Windsor, Ontario, to Quebec City—the so-called Quebec City–Windsor Corridor. This corridor contains about 18 million people, roughly half of Canada’s total population.
The territories are almost entirely rural, with small towns and hamlets scattered across vast distances. Nunavut has no roads connecting its communities; travel is by air or sea. The Northwest Territories’ largest city, Yellowknife, has about 20,000 residents, while Yukon’s capital, Whitehorse, has about 30,000—the largest city in any territory.
How Population Is Counted
Canada conducts a national census every five years, most recently in 2021. The census is a detailed count of every person in the country, including citizens, permanent residents, and non-permanent residents (such as work permit holders). Between censuses, Statistics Canada produces quarterly estimates using administrative data like birth certificates, death records, and tax files.
One common misconception is that the census counts only citizens. In reality, it counts all residents, regardless of citizenship. This is why the population figures include temporary foreign workers, international students, and refugees.
Comparisons with Other Countries
Canada’s population of about 41 million is small relative to its landmass. For context, it is roughly the same as California’s population, but spread over an area larger than the United States. The population density is about 4 people per square kilometer, one of the lowest in the world. Most of the population lives within 200 kilometers of the U.S. border; the northern territories are sparsely populated because of harsh climate and limited economic opportunities.
If Canada’s provinces were countries, Ontario would be the 60th most populous country (similar to Chile), and Nunavut would be among the least populous (similar to San Marino).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the smallest province by population?
Prince Edward Island is the smallest province, with about 177,000 people. It is also the smallest by land area.
Which territory has the most people?
Yukon has the largest territorial population, at about 46,000. It has grown steadily due to mining and government jobs.
Why do the territories have so few people?
The territories have harsh climates, remote locations, and limited infrastructure. Most of the land is tundra or boreal forest, and agriculture is difficult. Economic opportunities are concentrated in resource extraction and government services, which limits population growth.
Is Canada’s population growing or shrinking?
Canada’s population is growing, mainly due to immigration. The growth rate is about 1% per year, one of the highest among G7 countries. Without immigration, the population would be aging and declining because the birth rate is below replacement level.
What is the population of the capital city?
Ottawa, the capital, has a population of about 1 million in its metropolitan area. It is the fourth-largest city in Canada, after Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary.
How does population affect representation in Parliament?
Seats in the House of Commons are distributed based on population, with each province guaranteed at least as many seats as it had in 1986. The territories each have one seat. This means Ontario has the most MPs (121), while Prince Edward Island has only four, despite having a smaller population than some individual ridings.
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